HELENA — During Monday’s final practice in Helena ahead of a travel day to Gulf Shores, Ala. for the NAIA Outdoor Track and Field National Championships, the Carroll College track and field team was buzzing with excitement.
Players and coaches are excited to get out of the colder weather to enjoy all that the Gulf Coast has to offer, but for freshman Chad Hemsley, he still can’t seem to get over the fact he’s flying across the country to compete in track and field.
“I’m really looking forward to the experience of just going there, and flying to run track is just kind of mind-blowing to me,” Hemsley said.
Meanwhile, one Fighting Saint pole vaulter was excited for something that the average person likely abhors.
“I’m excited to get nervous,” said freshman Kelsey Bassett.
Bassett explained that in her youth she developed her ability to keep an even keel through gymnastics. Now that she’ll be competing on a stage where she has no idea what the talent will be like, she’s ready to see if she can thrive under pressure.
“I‘m excited to get back out there with some healthy competition and feel those butterflies in my stomach again, and I think I do really well in that stage. I like to get out of my comfort zone, I think it makes me a better athlete,” said Bassett.
The Carroll College track and field team will see if it can thrive under pressure when competition begins on Thursday.
